Rugby-Rebels loose forward Mafi released on bail

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WELLINGTON, July 16 (Reuters) - Melbourne Rebels loose forward Amanaki Mafi has been released on bail after appearing in court in Dunedin charged with injuring with intent to injure in an altercation with team mate Lopeti Timani.

Japan international Mafi had been arrested on Sunday following the incident and detained in custody until his court appearance on Monday. He was bailed to addresses in Melbourne and Japan, the local Otago Daily Times reported.

The 28-year-old was not required to enter a plea and bailed until a second hearing on Aug. 3, although he has been excused from appearing in person.

He was also ordered not to contact Timani and would need to be accompanied by a member of the Rebels’ management until he left New Zealand on Tuesday.

Mafi was accompanied by the Rebels’ team manager Tony Thorpe at the hearing. Neither made any comment afterwards.

The Rebels were beaten 43-37 by the Otago Highlanders on Saturday, a loss that ended their Super Rugby season after South Africa’s Sharks beat the Jaguares 20-10 to clinch the final playoffs spot on points differential.

Both the Rebels and Rugby Australia said on Sunday they were aware of the incident but could not make any further comment until after the judicial process was completed. (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)